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Identifying the ecological causes of long-term declines of wetland-dependent birds in an urbanizing landscape

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Abstract

Many wetland-dependent birds are thought to be experiencing significant population declines, although population trend data for this suite of birds are rare and the causes of declines poorly understood. We used a 26-year dataset (1980–2005) of wetland bird abundance and distribution among 196 wetlands in northeastern Illinois (i.e., Chicago and its suburbs) to evaluate population trends and identify underlying ecological causes. We used aerial photography and GIS to quantify wetland habitat structure (i.e., the extent of emergent vegetation) and changes in surrounding land use. We then evaluated how changes in land use affected the structure of wetlands and ultimately wetland bird populations. Of the 12 species analyzed, seven experienced significant declines, three showed non-significant declines, and two experienced significant increases. Population declines could not be attributed to wetland loss because none of our wetlands were destroyed. Concurrent research at these wetlands also suggests that neither low adult survival nor poor reproductive success were responsible for the declines. Increased development within 2 km of wetlands, however, was associated with extreme changes in the structure of wetlands. Wetlands tended either to lose much of their vegetation and become open ponds, or become rank stands of dense vegetation. Both changes made wetlands less suitable for many wetland birds. While “no net loss” legislation may protect wetlands from being filled or drained, development near wetlands appears to be altering hydrology, resulting in habitat degradation and population declines of several wetland-dependent bird species.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the many people who have contributed to the NEWS surveys, and in particular, R.R. Heidorn who had the foresight to initiate this long-term study. C. Becker, M.A.R. Cole, J. Filipiak, W.D. Glass, F.M. Harty, S. Hayden, S. Kobal, G.W. Kruse, S. Lauzon, D.R. Ludwig, S.M. Meister, D. Nelson, M. Redmer, P. Malmborg, W.E. Schennum, J. Ver Steeg, and B.D. Woodson all were instrumental in assisting in data collection and coordination. L. Cordle and L. Brewton assisted with digitizing maps, and R. Rekkea was invaluable in developing data management. T.J. Benson, P. Fredrick, and P. Weatherhead provided helpful comments. Funding for this research and analyses was provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Chicago Wilderness. Figure 1 was created by L. Wallis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Illinois Natural History Survey/Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA

    Michael P. Ward

  2. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Spring Grove, IL, USA

    Brad Semel

  3. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL, USA

    James R. Herkert

  4. The Nature Conservancy, Peoria, IL, USA

    James R. Herkert

Authors
  1. Michael P. Ward
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  2. Brad Semel
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  3. James R. Herkert
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Correspondence to Michael P. Ward.

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James R. Herkert is currently at Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL, USA.

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Ward, M.P., Semel, B. & Herkert, J.R. Identifying the ecological causes of long-term declines of wetland-dependent birds in an urbanizing landscape. Biodivers Conserv 19, 3287–3300 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-010-9893-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-010-9893-y

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